Xbox One Games are going to be on the bleeding edge of video game technology. While the hardware might be slightly ahead of high-end PCs and will surely be exceeded one day in the future, it’s a safe bet that in 2013, XBox One games will be a leader for graphics, interaction, sound and overall game quality. Microsoft has garnered incredible support from game developers and from media outlets for the Xbox One console system, which should help fuel the new console to heights never seen before. An EA executive has even publicly stated that the Xbox One is “a generation ahead of top-spec PCs” and it’s been confirmed that the console will support both 3D and 4K resolutions.

There’s clearly stiff competition from Sony with their PlayStation 4 system, but at the end of the day at release time, there should be a ton of great Xbox One games. Let’s take a look at what we might expect from the new platform.

Xbox One Games

When thinking about what type of games the industry can expect to see at launch, thoughts will immediately go to the major franchises. While the XBox One has not yet had a price point nor a release date announced (at the time of this article’s publication), it’s a safe bet that all the major games in 2013 will be released on the new system. Gamers already know that Activision’s Call of Duty: Ghosts will be released at launch, while other franchises specific to the EA Sports brand like Madden 25, FIFA 14 and others are also sure to have releases on this platform.

What About Halo?

We’ve already seen with Halo 4 that the franchise is in pretty good hands and nobody can say that there won’t be a sequel, and soon, for the new system. While there are plenty of rumors running rampant about a Halo 5 title coming out to be one of the many Xbox One games made available, there’s been no definitive announcement as to the potential release date or specific features for the game. Surely, Microsoft should have planned a Halo release to help jumpstart the new console. It only makes sense that Microsoft would want to do everything they could to make sure the Xbox One has a successful release. To do that, they are going to have to come out with exclusive titles for the platform at launch that are simply too good to pass up. Clearly, Halo 5 would be the flagship title specific to the Xbox One that would give even further incentive for players to grab the new unit.

Are We Talking GTA 5?

The big title from Rockstar Games, due out later this year, should also see a release on the Xbox One and be one of the best selling Xbox One games. The Grand Theft Auto franchise has already sold millions upon millions of copies for the Xbox and Xbox 360 console systems. With the robust hardware available to them on the new version of the Xbox, it’d be foolish for Rockstar not to support the next-gen systems (both the one from Microsoft and the PS4). Given the massive size of the game and the ridiculous next-gen graphics and screenshots released by Rockstar, no gamer in their right mind would prefer to play GTA 5 on the 360 as opposed to the One.

What Sports Titles Are Better Off?

It was clear with the release of the last few Madden and FIFA titles that the respective teams behind both games had exceeded the processing power for the old Xbox 360 and PS3 units. They both needed faster processors, more RAM and increased graphics capabilities to really make their products jump a generation. With the new “EA Sports Ignite” technology, which will only be available for PS4 and Xbox One games, the artificial intelligence (A.I.) will only grow expotentially, offering a completely (if they are to be believed) revolutionary experience. Lighting effects, physics engines, surround sound, streaming abilities and new gameplay modes just scratch the surface for popular titles like Madden 25, FIFA 14 and even the NBA 2K franchise.

Other Must Have Xbox One Games

From the release event, it was clear that Forza Motorsport 5 is going to be a killer title for racing gamers. It should have a pretty exciting battle against Gran Turismo 6 (which might be better frankly) to see which will be the better racing simulator. This is another exclusive title for Microsoft on the Xbox One platform and if the teaser trailer can be believed, should take graphics and physics for Xbox One games to a new level.

Another new title that should represent a new generation in gaming is Quantum Break, which comes from the creators of popular games Alan Wake and Max Payne. Blurring the line between television and gaming, it promises to give games a brand new gaming experience that will give them a deep dive into their unique universe.

Don’t count out Ubisoft either, as the Assassin’s Creed 4 announcement sent a flurry of rumors off that it will be released as one of the launch titles. Other Xbox One games that should be released in 2013 or early 2014 include Call of Duty: Ghosts, Need for Speed Rivals, and if rumors are to believed, The Witcher 3. There are even rumors that the new Bungie game, Destiny, will also debut on the Xbox One.

Final Thoughts

While the Microsoft release event for the Xbox One was less than stellar to say the least (who else can’t get the word “TV” out of their heads?), it’s clear that the platform itself is positioned to have some amazing titles right at release. As time goes by and we get closer to release, we’ll learn more about Xbox One Games and be sure to report it right here for you.

Got an opinion about Xbox One games and the platform’s release? Comment below.

Sean Gibson was the founder of Gaming Illustrated and served as Executive Editor and lead reviewer from 2002 to 2014. He no longer is affiliated with Gaming Illustrated, but remembers his time with the site fondly.